Universal Press Syndicate

Why do so many people end up with such ill-behaved dogs? The mechanics of dog training aren't difficult, after all, and it's not as if there aren't a million books, videotapes, seminars and training classes available. And yet most people end up with a dog who's "sort of" trained -- in other words, not very trained at all.

So what's the problem? I've always felt it was a matter of attitude. How you approach dog training has a great deal to do with how much you're going to accomplish. View it not as a horrid chore, but as an opportunity to strengthen the bond between you and your dog. You'll have a better chance at succeeding, and you'll both have a much better time.

Don't think of training as a "you vs. your dog" endeavor. Training is about teaching, showing your dog the things he needs to learn to be a member of human society. You need to approach the task with love and respect for your dog, both of which he will return in kind.

Learning and practice need to become part of your dog's life, and that means your dog needs to be part of your life. So bring him in! Let him sleep in your bedroom and practice his "sits" in the kitchen. The more opportunities for interaction and practice you have, the faster your dog will learn and the more reliably he will respond.

You need to be positive in your training. Who likes a boss who's always ready to pounce on every misdeed? You don't, and neither does your dog. Positive reinforcement is essential to your dog's learning process. If all you ever do is tell your dog "no," your relationship isn't going to be a very good one.

Praise is cheap -- free, in fact! -- so use it a lot. Use praise when your dog's trying to get it right. Use it more when your dog's succeeding. Use it when your dog's just paying attention to you, because it's all connected. Reward the small stuff, and bigger things will follow. Be a fun person to be around, and your dog will love you for it.

And what about punishment? Here, too, people make some serious mistakes. Your dog needs -- craves -- structure in his life, and you need to provide it. But you also need to know how to respond when he pushes the limits, which he will.

A correction should never be a release of anger, a clearing out of pent-up feelings by unloading them on the apparent cause of the problem: your dog.

Instead, a correction is another way to communicate with your dog, to foster in him a clear understanding of his place in your human pack. As such, a proper correction is another way to strengthen the bond between you and your pet. "Punishment" could be as simple as the withholding of praise or using a distraction to stop the offending behavior and redirect your dog. Hitting or yelling at your pet isn't communication. It's abuse.

Are you being fair in what you ask of your dog? How would you feel about a boss who kept changing the names of your tasks or asked you to do two things at once? Or had different rules for different places and times? It would drive you nuts, wouldn't it? And yet, that's exactly what people do to their dogs all the time. Once your dog knows a command, use it the same way each time and never change its meaning. Be clear and be consistent.

What do I mean by consistent? One example I hear all the time is when someone says "sit down" to a dog when he really means "sit." Now you know that when someone says "sit down" to you, it's the same thing as "sit." But if you teach your dog "sit" as one behavior and "down" as another, you can understand why "sit down" is confusing. Which do you want? Sit? Or down?

Same for saying "down" when you really mean "off." I was visiting someone once when her cocker spaniel jumped on the couch beside me. "Down!" commanded her owner, and the dog laid down beside me, wagging her tail proudly. "She's so willful," said the woman, who didn't realize the dog had in fact obeyed her perfectly.

Keep training, and don't be shy about getting help over the rough patches by finding a good trainer or behaviorist. Dog training succeeds by degrees and by creativity. You expand the length of time and the number of situations in which your dog will execute a command, and you look for new ways to use what he knows so you can continue to develop and strengthen the bond between you.

So build, a little bit at a time, celebrating every step along the way. Living is learning, and learning is good.

Q&A

Tips for keeping kitty grounded

Q: We are having the worst time keeping our cat off the counters and tables. We turn our backs for a second and he's up in a flash, helping himself to food.

It's rude, and it's hardly sanitary. I've swatted him and screamed at him, but it doesn't help. He scats when he sees me coming, but he just gets sneakier about getting up there. Any suggestions? -- P.W., via e-mail

A: Interrupting your cat's unwanted behavior in a sneaky fashion is the key. Punishment just makes you a jerk in your cat's eyes and doesn't stop the counter-cruising when you're not around.

You need to outsmart your feline and make sure you are not caught in the act of correcting him.

You want your cat to think the counter and table are no longer fun places to hang out. Collect your arsenal: a water blaster gun, heavy magazine, air horn, empty soda can with pennies in it closed up with tape. Make a loud noise and startle him, or shoot the water gun. Do not aim for the cat; just be close. You want a startled response, not full-blown fear, pain or panic.

Once your cat learns that the counters and tables discourage his jumping up on their own -- remember, your cat can't know you're really the enforcer -- then your pet will be more inclined to keep his paws on the ground and his fur out of your food. -- Susan and Dr. Rolan Tripp

Q: I was more than a little surprised to see you write that raisins and grapes can be toxic to pets. Are you sure about that? We've shared both with our dogs before. -- Y.R., via e-mail

A: We got quite a few letters about our inclusion of raisins and grapes in the list of off-limits foods for pets. But it's true: The Animal Poison Control Center of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has recorded multiple reports of kidney failure linked to raisins and grapes.

No one's really sure what the problem is, but the APCC is concerned enough to warn pet lovers that these fruits should not be given as treats. For more information, visit the APCC site (www.aspca.com/apcc).

(Do you have a pet question? Send it to petconnection@gmail.com.)

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "Good Morning America" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are also the authors of several best-selling pet-care books.

On PetConnection.com there's more information on pets and their care, reviews of products, books and "dog cars," and a weekly drawing for pet-care prizes. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or visiting PetConnection.com.

GOOD BEHAVIOR

Illness can cause behavior problems

Does your pet seem short-tempered lately? Think it's spite? Think again. Imagine you have a toothache, feel fire when you use the bathroom or have bugs crawling all over you that make you itch. Would you be more or less likely to snap at a loved one?

Even low levels of discomfort can trigger aggression. Before guessing at the problem and possibly making it worse, start with a thorough veterinary exam for both minor and major medical conditions. Blood work, urinalysis, radiographs and other diagnostics rule out physical irritations and serious illness. Regulating thyroid and altering pets removes hormone-related aggression.

Aggressive behavior is also learned. So after medical causes are removed or ruled out, do yourself and your pet a big favor by starting a program of behavior modification using reliable, gentle methods. Veterinarians work with behaviorists, using medications to help pets in the initial stages.

(Animal behavior experts Susan and Dr. Rolan Tripp are the authors of "On Good Behavior." For more information, visit their Web site at AnimalBehavior.net.)

PET TIP

Cats can learn to walk on leash

Many indoor cats can be trained to enjoy an outdoor outing on a harness and leash. Choose a harness designed for cats, not for dogs, in a figure-eight design. As with collars, harnesses come in many colors, with lightweight leashes to match.

Don't expect your cat to heel like a dog, however. Walking a cat consists of encouraging your pet to explore with treats and praise, with you following. Never leave your cat tethered and unattended, which leaves him vulnerable to attack or to a terrifying time of hanging suspended from his harness should he try to get over a fence.

While no indoor cat has to be walked on leash, some of them come to enjoy it enough to make leash-training worth the effort to try. Be sure to walk your cat in an area that's free of such dangers as off-leash dogs, since a terrified cat on a leash is no fun to handle. -- Gina Spadafori

THE SCOOP

Parrots need to be handled properly

To make the most of a relationship with a new parrot -- in any size from budgie to macaw -- you need to set the right tone from the start. You need to assure your new bird that you are a wonderful, kind and fun person, but you also need to gently but firmly establish that you are the boss. This is done through consistent, firm handling and gentle training -- never, ever through punishment.

It's not hard, if you follow some basic guidelines:

-- Learn when to leave your bird alone. Birds are emotional and sometimes quite moody, and there are times when it's best just to let them be. Give him space when he needs it.

-- Control your bird's comings and goings. Instead of opening the cage door to let your pet out, ask your bird to step up onto your hand and then bring him out. Likewise, give the "step up" command when it's time to put your bird back in his cage.

-- Don't let your bird ignore a command. If you say "step up," persist until your bird complies. Birds are very smart, and if they figure a way around you, they'll take it. Once your leadership starts to erode, you'll have a hard time reclaiming your position.

-- Keep your bird at a level lower than your head. In the bird world, higher birds are leader birds. In the beginning, keep your bird's cage and play gyms below the level of your chin. When playing with your bird, keep your arm low, too, and don't let your bird on your shoulder.

Above all, don't ruin any good habits the breeder instilled in your bird by letting your pet become a demanding brat. Set limits and stick to them. Your bird will love you for it. -- Gina Spadafori

BY THE NUMBERS

I saw it on TV!

New way of reducing shedding? Great new toy for pets? If it's new and you've heard about it, chances are you've bumped into it in a store or seen it on TV. The top sources for pet owners to hear about new pet products (multiple answers allowed):

Browsing in store: 58 percent

Television: 57 percent

Print ad: 42 percent

Veterinarian: 26 percent

Friend: 24 percent

Direct mail: 19 percent

Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association

PETS ON THE WEB

Dogpatch loves agile canines

The Dogpatch (www.dogpatch.org) is one of the oldest comprehensive sites for dog lovers on the Web. The information on it is excellent -- especially the offerings on the sport of canine agility -- but things can be a little tough to locate.

That's because the site started small and just kept growing, with search engines, indexes and navigation more or less added as an afterthought. But don't let that discourage you, because it's a fun site just to poke around in. You'll surely find something of interest to you and your dog, even if it wasn't exactly what you were looking for in the first place.

Don't forget to visit the Dogpatch Forum, where dog lovers help each other with every aspect of care and training. The links page will help you find a lot of super new dog sites, too. -- Gina Spadafori

Pet Connection is produced by a team of team of pet-care experts headed by "Good Morning America" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are also the authors of several best-selling pet-care books. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper, by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or by visiting PetConnection.com.

4520 Main St., Kansas City, Mo. 64111; (816) 932-6600

By GINA SPADAFORI

Universal Press Syndicate

My dogs love spring and summer -- longer days, less inclement weather -- but they always seem a little disappointed when they realize they're not going to be getting as many rides in the car.

That's because in the winter there's little risk to letting a well-mannered dog wait in the car during a quick pop inside the bank, drugstore or any number of local businesses that make up a morning's errand run.

But when the days get warmer, it's no longer acceptable to leave a dog in the car, even for a few minutes. That's because the heat can build up quickly, even on a day that's just pleasantly warm, putting any pet in the car at grave risk for heatstroke.

Car rides and errands aren't the only risks to pets in warmer weather. Take care of your pets by watching out for these fair-weather hazards:

-- Heat risks. Cats have enough sense to nap on warm afternoons, but dogs do not. If you let them, they'll go where you do, even if it's too hot. Dogs are not good at keeping themselves cool, and they rely on us to keep them out of trouble.

Limit exercise to the coolest part of the day, no matter how happy your dog is to participate when it's warm. Even in the coolest part of the day, watch for signs of trouble: Glassy eyes and frantic panting indicate a dog who needs help.

Remember that older, obese or short-nosed dogs are less heat-tolerant and that all dogs need constant access to shade and an endless supply of cool, clean water.

-- Gardening risks. Protect your pets from poisonous plants, troublesome garden materials or yard chemicals. Check with the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center (www.aspca.org/apcc) to be sure your plants are pet-safe, and put any ones that aren't on the other side of a fence from your animals.

Finally, be sure to use any pesticides or fertilizers according to label directions, and let lawn chemicals dry before allowing your pet access to the yard. Snail and rodent bait can kill pets, so do not use it in areas where animals have access.

-- Field risks. If you hike through open fields or wooded areas, be sure to check your dog afterward for foxtails and ticks. The spiky seed carrier of dried grasses, a foxtail, will burrow deep into the ears or flesh of an animal, and it will need to be removed by a veterinarian if it gets in a place your pet can't reach or is left to fester.

These spiky nuisances are such a problem in my part of Northern California that I think I've spent more money having my veterinarian treat foxtail-related problems than anything else I can think of overall.

In an upcoming column, Dr. Marty Becker will address the subject of fleas and ticks, another hazard of the season.

SIDEBAR

Heartworms like it hot, too.

Warmer weather means mosquitoes, and that means heartworms.

Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes, which pick up the microscopic heartworm larvae called microfilaria when they draw blood from an infected animal. They share the parasites when they bite another animal. Once in a new host, the larvae make their way to the heart, where they grow to be 9 to 14 inches long, blocking the flow of blood and causing severe damage and possibly death.

Most infested pets are brought to the veterinarian after their owners notice them coughing at night, coughing after exercise, or experiencing a general decline in their physical condition. By the time the symptoms are noticed, however, a great deal of damage has usually been done, not only to the heart, but also to other organs such as the kidneys, which rely on a steady flow of blood to operate.

Because of the risk and expense of treating a heartworm infestation, preventive care remains an essential part of a pet's well-being. Monthly heartworm prevention has been shown to be safe and effective for most pets. Don't ignore this essential protection: Talk to your veterinarian. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Q&A

Visiting cat has ear mites

Q: We've been sort of adopted by a cat who started sharing meals with our two cats awhile back. He's a friendly guy, so I don't mind feeding him, and I think he has already been neutered. We always seem to get our cats this way. The ones we already have came to us on their own as well.

The problem is that the edges of this new cat's ears are crusty, and inside it's pretty dirty. What's the best way to clean them? He seems pretty tolerant of treatment, but what should I put in there? -- S.P., via e-mail

A: What's in there now is something your veterinarian will have to help you get rid of. Your visiting cat likely has ear mites, nasty little pests that feed off the lining of the ear. Since the mites are highly contagious, there's a good chance that other cats in your home are likewise infested by now.

Your veterinarian can give you medication to eradicate the mites. Be warned, though, that you must continue the medication as recommended even after it seems that the problem is under control. You may also need to take your pet in for a recheck. Ear mites can be very hard to get rid of, and if you stop medicating too soon, they'll stage a comeback.

Before you adopt this cat permanently, do make a good-faith effort to find out if he already has a home. Place "found pet" ads in your local paper and online, and post fliers in the neighborhood. Somebody may be looking for him after all.

If you can't find any owner, then don't just "sort of" adopt him -- take responsibility for your pet. Because you'll be going to the veterinarian anyway for those ear mites, take care of all this cat's preventive care measures, including testing and vaccination as recommended. If he's neutered already, more's the better, and it's one less thing you'll have to have done later on. -- Gina Spadafori

(Do you have a pet question? Send it to petconnection@gmail.com.)

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "Good Morning America" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are also the authors of several best-selling pet-care books.

On PetConnection.com there's more information on pets and their care, reviews of products, books and "dog cars," and a weekly drawing for pet-care prizes. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or visiting PetConnection.com.

PET TIP

Routine keeps cages cleaner

Cleaning up after birds is a constant battle, but getting yourself into a routine makes it easier to cope. The good news is that a few minutes a day is all it takes.

Every morning and evening you should replace soiled cage liners. You can put a few layers at the base of the cage and remove layer by layer throughout the day whenever droppings appear. Mist the bars with nonstick cooking spray -- not when your bird is nearby, though -- to help keep droppings from sticking.

You should also change food and water bowls (or bottles) twice a day. Some birds get food or even droppings in their bowls, and you need to constantly check for bowls that need cleaning. If you use a water bottle with your bird, check every morning to ensure that it's not clogged by pressing the ball with your finger.

Birds usually prefer to eat after dawn and near dusk, so these are great times to introduce fresh fruits and vegetables -- and to remove the leftovers before you go to work or bed. Leftover dry foods should be discarded every morning and replaced with fresh.

Finish off your twice-daily routine by using your cleaning solution and paper towels, and use a handheld vacuum to clean up any other messes in the vicinity. And remember: Your dishwasher is a great tool for cleaning everything from perches to dishes to toys.

While daily attention will keep things pretty clean, you'll need to do a big scrub on a regular basis -- walls, floors, the cage and all its contents.

For the big clean, scrub the cage with soap and water, and then rinse well in plain water. Soak everything you can't fit into the dishwasher -- big perches, droppings tray and so on -- in a solution of a half-cup bleach to a gallon of water. Rinse well. Then leave everything out to air-dry in the sun before setting it in place and putting your bird back in it. -- Gina Spadafori

THE SCOOP

Get help for your pet's behavior problems

Many people are reluctant to seek help if faced with a pet-behavior problem, either because they think the idea of a "pet shrink" is crazy or because they don't think the money would be well-spent.

If you're one of these people, think again. Consulting a behaviorist can save you time, money and aggravation. Time, because someone with experience in animal behavior can quickly determine the root of the problem, without the emotional baggage that a pet owner may bring to the situation. Money, because a consultation or two is a great deal cheaper than a new sofa. And aggravation? We don't need to explain that one if you're living with a problem pet.

More important, getting help can save your pet's life. Behavior problems are among the top reasons why pet owners dump their animal companions. Pets with behavior problems aren't very adoptable, and that means that time runs out for many of them before a suitable home can be found.

Be aware, however, that animal behavior is an unregulated field -- anyone can call himself a behaviorist.

One good option is to choose a veterinarian who's board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. These professionals have gone through years of study in animal health and behavior and have done a residency in the field as well. Your best bet at finding one of these veterinarians is to contact your closest school or college of veterinary medicine's teaching hospital.

People with other academic degrees (such as psychology), general-practice veterinarians and people who've picked up their pet knowledge completely in the field also make themselves available for advice on behavior. You'll find good and not-so-good people in all three areas, which makes getting recommendations and checking references important.

In addition to checking with your closest school or college of veterinary medicine, check with your own veterinarian or local humane society, any of which may be able to refer you to someone who can help. Some humane societies even offer behavior classes or consulting. -- Gina Spadafori

BY THE NUMBERS

Pet-care experience

If it seems as if you've always had a dog or cat, you're probably typical. In these 2004 responses to surveys about how long pet owners have kept pets, those with dogs or cats had more experience in caring for animal companions than did those with other pets:

Dogs: 19 years

Cats: 17 years

Birds: 10 years

Freshwater fish: 8 years

Saltwater fish: 5.5 years

Reptiles: 3 years

Small animals: 1.8 years

Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association

PETS ON THE WEB

Merck site makes health info easy

If there's one Web site every pet lover should have bookmarked, it's the one for the online edition of the Merck Veterinary Manual (www.merckvetmanual.com). The print version of this essential reference has been a mainstay in nearly every veterinary hospital since it was first published in 1955. The online version is one of the most significant animal-health resources ever for any pet lover.

Although no reference -- online or in print -- substitutes for a good relationship with your veterinarian, the Merck Veterinary Manual can help you become a more knowledgeable partner in getting good care for your pet. The site is well-indexed, easy to search, and is updated with the most recent information available.

That such an amazing resource is free -- there are no subscriber fees to gain access to this incredibly deep site -- is a deal too good to be believed. So take advantage of it. -- Gina Spadafori

Pet Connection is produced by a team of team of pet-care experts headed by "Good Morning America" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are also the authors of several best-selling pet-care books. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper, by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or by visiting PetConnection.com.

4520 Main St., Kansas City, Mo. 64111; (816) 932-6600

Universal Press Syndicate

While no one can guarantee a trouble-free trip, the good news is that the vast majority of pets traveling by air get where they're going in fine shape.

Even better news: Careful planning on your pet's behalf will help make things go even more smoothly.

Animals move through the airline system as unaccompanied cargo or as travelers' baggage. Unaccompanied pets and most animals traveling as baggage travel in pressurized cargo holds, while some small pets are allowed into the cabin as a carry-on. Before your pet flies:

-- Talk to the airline. Some carriers -- especially the no-frills companies -- don't take animals at all. Those that do have limits on the number of animals on a flight, typically two small pets in the passenger cabin, and not much more than that in the cargo hold. You also need to know where and when your pet has to be presented, and what papers -- health certificate, and so on -- you'll need to bring. Airlines charge extra fees even for those pets who fly in a carry-on bag, so ask about it in advance so you won't be surprised.

Also be aware that some airlines won't ship pets in the summer months, with embargoes starting as early as mid-May.

-- Be sure your pet is in good health. Air travel isn't recommended for elderly or ill animals, and is likewise ill-advised for the pug-nosed breeds of dogs and cats. These animals find breathing a little difficult under the best of circumstances, and the stress of airline travel may be more than they can handle.

-- For pets who'll be traveling in the cargo hold, use a hard-sided carrier designed for air travel, and make sure it's in good condition (no cracks in the plastic, no rust on the grating). The crate should be just big enough for your pet to stand up and turn around in. Check and double-check that all the bolts securing the halves of the carrier are in place and tightened. 

Pets that are small enough to ride in the passenger cabin will be more comfortable in a soft-sided carrier.

Carry-on pets should have a collar and ID tag, but that's not safe for pets traveling below. Instead, put an ID tag on a piece of elastic around the pet's neck, and make sure contact information is written large and indelibly on the outside of the crate. A water dish should be attached to the inside of the door grate so airline personnel can add water without opening the door.

-- Consider travel conditions. Don't ship your pet when the weather is extreme or when air traffic is heaviest. Avoid peak travel days, and be sure to choose flights that are on the ground when the temperature is neither too hot nor too cold, not only at the departure airport but also at the connecting and arriving airports. In summer, a night flight is likely better, while the reverse is true in the winter.

-- Choose a direct flight. If that's not possible, try for a route with a single connection and a short layover. Most animal fatalities occur on the ground, when pets are left in their crates on the hot tarmac or in stifling cargo holds. Direct flights eliminate layovers, and short layovers reduce the time on the ground. Better yet: Choose a direct flight with an airline that has special handling available for pets, keeping them off the tarmac until just before flight time and transporting them to and from the plane in a climate-controlled van.

-- Ask about your pet, persistently but politely. Make your presence known! Confirm that your pet has been loaded and has made any connection en route. It would not hurt to do what you can to make your pet stand out as more than mere cargo. One person I know puts a prominent sign on her retriever's kennel when he flies. "I am the beloved pet of a 5-year-old boy," it says.

-- Contrary to popular belief, it's generally safer for your pet not to be tranquilized before flying. The combination of high altitude and limited oxygen is a challenge your pet's body is better prepared to meet if he's not sedated. Still, your pet may be an exception. In the end, you and your veterinarian should decide on this issue.

The Air Transport Association, the trade group for the nation's airlines, offers information on its Air Travel for Your Dog or Cat Web page (www.airlines.org). The ATA details the preparation of a pet for air travel, how to set up the carrier and how to check on your pet en route.

Q&A

Snail control and pet safety

Q: Every year I put out my garden plants, both vegetables and flowers. And some years the snails seem to eat them the first night they're in the ground. I have a dog and two cats who come and go, plus neighbor cats. And I worry about birds, too. What are your recommendations for pet-safe snail control? -- P.D., via e-mail

A: Like most gardeners, "hate" isn't all that strong a word to use when it comes to how I feel about snails. But I never, ever use snail bait, because it's deadly not just to snails and slugs, but also to dogs, cats and birds.

Instead, I conduct "snail safaris" with a flashlight, picking up snails by the shell and putting them in a bag that I then place in the garbage bin. Another alternative to traditional snail bait is iron phosphate, which is marketed under the brand name Sluggo.

Any pet suspected of having gotten into snail bait -- symptoms include frothing at the mouth, vomiting and convulsions -- needs to see a veterinarian immediately. The animal's life depends on prompt action.

All garden pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers need to be used with extreme caution around pets. Use as little as possible and follow directions to the letter.

Better still: Avoid using such products at all around pets if there's an alternative that will get the job done.

My friend Laura, a kind soul to all living creatures with the exception of snails, used to take great delight in conducting those "flashlight raids" on her garden beds at night, scooping up every snail she could find and putting them in a plastic bag. In the morning, she'd throw the marauders against a big sycamore tree in her yard, enjoying the cracking of every snail shell. After her arm got tired, she'd put the rest of the snails in the trash bin.

It's a little extreme perhaps, but a desire for snail death is something any gardener may understand, if not emulate.

The Animal Poison Control Center has information on pet-poison hazards, including those in the garden. Check out the site (www.aspca.org/apcc) for information on pesticides, mulches, fertilizers and plants that need to be kept away from your pets. -- Gina Spadafori

(Do you have a pet question? Send it to petconnection@gmail.com.)

PET BUY

Cap may calm an anxious dog

The Calming Cap is a sheer fabric hood that fits over a dog's head. Developed by Trish King, director of animal behavior and training at the Marin Humane Society, this "muted window" covers the dog's eyes and reduces visual stimuli and lowers their reactivity.

It is comparable to a human looking through a screen door at dusk, yet the pet still has enough vision to see shapes and can confidently maneuver in his environment with a little practice. The Calming Cap, which comes in different sizes, attaches with Velcro to the collar, and the soft fabric and elastic provide a comfortable fit for most dogs (the product is not available specifically for cats).

Veterinary behaviorists say the Calming Cap has proven to be a powerful tool in treating:

-- Dogs who get hyper-excited or sick on car trips.

-- Dogs who bark explosively in the car or when looking out of the house.

-- Fearful dogs in the vet's office (or groomer's) for nail trims, ear cleanings or other high-stress procedures, allowing a much more gentle experience for the pet.

-- Dogs who suffer from separation anxiety.

-- Docile dogs who lack confidence.

-- Canines who get nervous in interactions with other dogs or with people.

Suzanne Hetts, Ph.D., a certified animal behaviorist in Littleton, Colo., has also used the Calming Cap for more serious behavior problems. "I've used the Calming Cap to successfully lower the arousal level of dogs in the same family that are fighting, which helps facilitate behavior modification. It's also been helpful to reduce arousal during problem introductions between a newly acquired dog and resident cats."

An article in the Society of Animal Behavior Technicians gave the product an A-plus in the veterinary setting. The only reported problems were the few animals who feverishly tried to remove it and the fact that it could snag quite easily with cats.

The Calming Cap is available at veterinary hospitals, pet-retail outlets and online at www.premier.com and www.AnimalBehaviorAssociates.com. The retail price is $20. -- Dr. Marty Becker

THE SCOOP

Wheezy cats need help from the vet

Feline asthma occurs when a cat's airways become inflamed by allergens, constrict and make breathing labored. The condition is seen in dogs but much more frequently in cats. Siamese breeds and overweight cats are most are risk.

While some cats may require prescription treatments (corticosteroids, bronchodilators) for asthma, there are six steps you can take at home to minimize the discomfort and risk your feline friend faces:

-- Shrink your cat. The signs of asthma are exacerbated by obesity, and even the loss of a few pounds can make a big difference. Ask your veterinarian for help in outlining a safe weight-loss plan.

-- Less Sahara, more Amazon. Whether it's the furnace in the winter or the air conditioner in the summer, inside air becomes very dry, and this may trigger asthma attacks. Use a humidifier to pump up the volume of moisture in the air.

-- Stop your cat from smoking. We're talking about secondhand smoke here, and you'll be doing your cat a potentially lifesaving favor by smoking outside.

-- Be a litterbug. Many brands of cat litter have a lot of dust, so use dust-free litter or litter made of a different substrate such as corn or recycled paper.

-- Clear the air. Limit use of perfumes, scented candles and pungent household cleaners in the house, and be a neat freak when it comes to dusting and washing bedding to limit dust mites. Many experts recommend using electrostatic air cleaners and heap filters on houses with central heating and air conditioning.

-- Be a Zen master. Stressful events -- strange pet, trip to the groomer, rearranging furniture -- can trigger asthma attacks. Take steps to decrease stress, like nixing visits from a friend's pet, postponing grooming and using synthetic pheromone diffusers.

A word of extreme caution: Some cats that have heartworms act like they're asthmatic. Your veterinarian may recommend a simple blood test to rule out heartworm disease. -- Dr. Marty Becker

BY THE NUMBERS

Birdy buys

Food is reported as the top purchase -- 60 percent -- among bird lovers, which makes one wonder: How are the other 40 percent getting fed? After food, the top purchases made by bird owners annually include (multiple answers allowed):

Treats 46 percent

Toys 36 percent

Gravel 20 percent

Vitamins 16 percent

Dishes 15 percent

Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Food treats get attention

Because pets communicate with body language more than verbal language, it makes sense to show, not tell, pets what to do. Food gets their attention and makes learning more of a game than hard work.

For example, before a meal, put a kibble or treat in your hand and let your pet lick or sniff it as you walk backward. Keep the food at mouth level, and your pet will likely follow. Add the word "come" just before releasing the treat, and your pet will eventually learn the word.

You can teach many behaviors this way. To teach "sit," move the treat up and back over the head until it's easier to sit than stand. Just as your pet sits, give the treat and say, "Sit." Add "Goooood!" with a finger tickle to your pet's favorite spot plus some lovey-dovey talk to seal the deal.

(Animal behavior experts Susan and Dr. Rolan Tripp are the authors of "On Good Behavior." For more information, visit their Web site at AnimalBehavior.net.)

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "Good Morning America" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are also the authors of several best-selling pet-care books.

On PetConnection.com there's more information on pets and their care, reviews of products, books and "dogmobiles," and a weekly drawing for free pet-care prizes. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or visiting PetConnection.com.

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